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WORKPLACE SAFETY


flooring and by wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), like steel toe shoes, to protect the operator from accidents.


Training National Flooring Equipment recommends detailed equipment training for rental companies that stock surface preparation equipment. The rental company can then pass on its knowledge to improve the overall skills and safety of the contractor during the job. Better knowledge improves safety, increases efficiency and reduces the risk of damaging the machine. Machine training can include


how to prepare the site before beginning work, assessing the site requirements and how to use the machine for the specific job required. Rental companies can access National Flooring Equipment’s free training in the USA and in Europe by visiting its online training library on its website, or by attending a dedicated training day. Once the contractor has been


directed on the best machine and how to use it, it is still advisable for the operator to test the equipment before using it on the proposed work surface. This is because each machine has subtle differences which the user should familiarise themselves with. The contractor can test a small, hidden area on the project site to establish the state of the concrete and show the customer what the finished result will look like.


Machine safeTy Hire companies must inspect the machine before and after renting it out, to make sure everything is in order. The rental company should pay attention to the dust collection system, electric connections, cuts and frays to wires and plugs, as electric components are a common cause of health and safety problems. A simple checklist will ensure nothing is missed and will create a record of equipment maintenance.


assessing The job siTe Prior to starting work on the site, the operator should survey the area to avoid any hazards or risks that could cause damage to the equipment. All electric connections and power supplies should also be properly checked to prevent any accidents.


Health and safety considerations


can differ according to machine choice. By gathering an understanding from training, companies can learn the specific risks associated with each machine. For example, unlike battery powered ride-on machines, walk-behind scrapers are usually tethered to an extension cable, which needs to be properly managed, so the operator does not get caught up in a trip hazard. The operator should also be


aware that scraper blades require maintenance. The blades are usually extremely sharp and need to remain this way to be as effectivie as possible. If the blade becomes dull, the operator should sharpen or change the blade with great care to avoid injury.


Worker safeTy In many surface preparation jobs, containment of silica dust is a priority for the health of everyone on the operating site, as dust can become airborne from grinding, polishing, shot blasting and scarifying and can enter the lungs of the workers. Once silica dust has entered the


lungs, it will never be cleared. Given its carcinogenic properties and ability to cause silicosis, proper dust collection is extremely important. Silicosis, a severe, incurable condition which can be fatal, is caused by the formation of scar tissue within the lungs following inhalation of silica dust. The rental company can help contractors decide on the corresponding dust collection for the equipment it has selected and appropriate PPE, like face masks, to reduce the risk further. Although silica dust is not as


much of a concern when scraping, the operator may find asbestos when removing some floor materials. Specialist procedures, which vary depending on the type of material being removed, are available for dealing with asbestos. With the right considerations, the


number of construction workers getting injured at work will start to reduce, so whatever the job, safety should be a priority. Rental companies can work together with contractors and suppliers to make sure the job is performed safely, efficiently and in a way that extends the lifespan of the equipment.


National Flooring Equipment www.nationalequipment.com


INdustrIal ComplIaNCE | JulY/auGust 2022 13


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